Killian Court
Cambridge, Massachusetts, renowned for its academic prowess and intellectual climate, holds a hidden treasure in the form of Killian Court. A sprawling green expanse nestled in the heart of the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), this historic site has much to offer.
Location
Killian Court is centrally located within MIT's 168-acre campus, straddling the urban borders of Boston and Cambridge. Here, the Charles River provides a scenic backdrop to the Institute's stately domes and spires, including the renowned Great Dome atop Building 10, which shelters the court in majestic shadow.
History
Originally known as the 'Front Campus,' Killian Court was renamed in 1974 to honor the 10th president of MIT, James Rhyne Killian Jr. Conceived by architect William Welles Bosworth in 1916, Killian Court was envisioned to unite MIT's burgeoning campus with a harmonious space for gatherings and discourse. The court's construction paused during World War I, only to be completed and dedicated in 1916, and thus began its legacy as a space for convocation, commencement, and contemplation. It's named after Thomas Jefferson '32 Killian, Class of 1886, and Chairman of the MIT Corporation.
What to See
Killian Court's most striking feature is the Great Dome, a symbolic threshold between academia and the outside world. The Dome is echoed in the cascade of columns that form the Barker Engineering Library and the open expanse of the court itself. Visitors can also appreciate the Alchemist, a striking sculpture by Ernesto Neto, which invites interaction with its sinuous yarn forms..
Nearby Attractions
Adjacent to Killian Court sits some of MIT's most iconic buildings, including the Stata Center, a labyrinthine structure of modern angles and glass designed by Frank Gehry. Near the northwest corner, the MIT Chapel, a serene sanctuary designed by Eero Saarinen, offers another architectural marvel. Beyond campus, the bustling Harvard Square and Charles Hotel are just a short walk away.
Plan your Boston tour With Boston Sightseeing
To maximize your experience, consider hopping onto a Boston Sightseeing double-decker bus for a comprehensive tour. The narrated tour offers insights into Boston's rich history, featuring the Freedom Trail, Fenway Park, and, of course, Killian Court. Our tours provide a unique blend of structure and flexibility, allowing you to get off and explore at your leisure before rejoining the next bus.
Our Tour Packages
Single Ride Pass
$39.99
Explore Boston in 90 Minutes
Ride above the crowd and enjoy the panoramic view of Boston
- Stop-1 to Stop-8
- Boston City Tour Single Ride Pass
- Blue Route Tour
- Double-Decker Bus Tour
- 90 Minutes Tour
- 1 Day Validity
- Hop-on Hop-off Tour
- Charlestown Sightseeing Tour
- Night Tour
Hop-On Hop-Off All Day
$48.99
Boston City Sightseeing Tour
Experience historic Boston with unlimited hop-on hop-off at your own pace.
- Stop-1 to Stop-8
- Hop-on Hop-off Boston Tour
- Blue Route Tour
- Double-Decker Bus Tour
- 90 Minutes tour
- 1 Day Validity
- Shuttle Bus Service
- Charlestown Tour
- Night Tour
Hop-on Hop-off Boston & Charlestown Tour
$58.99
Boston & Charlestown Tour
Experience the charm of Boston & Charlestown with Boston Sightseeing at your own pace.
- Stop-1 to Stop-15
- Hop-on Hop-off Boston Tour
- Hop-on Hop-off Charlestown Tour
- Blue & Orange Route Tour
- Double-Decker Bus Tour
- Shuttle Bus Tour
- 120 Minutes Tour
- 1 Day Validity
- Night Tour
2 Days Boston & Charlestown Hop -On Hop-Off Tour
$89.99
2 Days Boston & Charlestown Tour
Explore Boston & Charlestown with Boston's first double-decker bus at your own pace.
- Stop-1 to Stop-15
- Hop-on Hop-off Boston Tour
- Hop-on Hop-off Charlestown Tour
- Blue & Orange Route Tour
- Double-Decker Bus Tour
- Shuttle Bus Tour
- 120 Minutes Tour
- 2 Days Validity
- Night Tour
Boston Sightseeing Night Tour
$47.99
90 Minutes Boston Night Tour (Non-Stop)
Sit back, unwind, and let the magic of Boston after dark captivate you
- Stop-1 to Stop-8
- Boston City Night Tour
- Blue Route Tour
- Double-Decker Bus Tour
- 90 Minutes Tour
- 1 Day Validity
- Hop-on Hop-off Tour
- Shuttle Bus Tour
- Charlestown Sightseeing Tour
Attractions To Explore Near This Stop
Annual Events in Boston
Boston, with its captivating history and thriving cultural scene, offers a remarkable array of annual events that showcase the city’s vibrant..
Best Things To Do In North End Boston
The North End of Boston, Massachusetts, is a charming and vibrant neighborhood filled with fabulous restaurants, boutique shops, and plenty of a
Best Fun Things To Do In Back Bay
Boston Back Bay is a beautiful, vibrant neighborhood that oozes history and charm. Situated just south of the Charles River in downtown Boston,